At the change of command, Carter highlighted the European Reassurance Initiative as something that will "further reinforce our NATO allies and build our deterrence posture in the face of Russia's aggression."
The United States is taking a "strong and balanced" approach to Russia, he said.
"The United States will also continue to hold out the possibility that Russia will assume the role of a constructive partner moving forward, not isolated and going backward in time as it appears to be doing today," Carter said.
(Source: US Dept of Defense)
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